Somewhat alarmingly, I’m inclined to agree with Tony Perkins that this is a dumb idea.

The only flags flying at an American military base should be the American flag and the flags of the “host” county (yeah, I know). The only flags flying at a NATO military base should be that of NATO, those of the participating militaries, and that of the host country.

Even better, there should be no American military base, flag or not, in Afghanistan.

I suppose you could argue that it’s a form of cultural imperialism. Not a comfortable thought, but if the banner was of a Christian fish or something, many of us would jump to such a conclusion.

On the other hand, we don’t know the context. It’s probably more of an intra-military statement than one about the country. It’s harder for homophobes in American politics to condemn people on the front lines.

Joe
Seeing that we have been on the same side quite a bit lately. I want desperately to agree with you. To satisfy my zeal to be on the same page with you, pretend that you are talking to a mere child, and in terms that a child could understand, explain to me why “That flag truly represents the REAL reason the US is in Afghanistan.”
I’m not good at deciphering cryptic comments. Just the facts sir.

“I’m not good at deciphering cryptic comments. Just the facts sir.” The “facts” are starring everyone right in the face after eleven years. If you can’t see that, my telling you won’t make any difference. Hope that answer is not too “cryptic.” — Is Afghanistan better off today than it was BEFORE the invasion and the blessed presence of America’s finest?

For women and girls who want to learn to read, they might be better off. Women at a feminist conference in Afghanistan gave the Code Pink reps and earful, and almost generated an existential angst until the Code Pink reps came hope to be properly advised on their ideological stance.

How might women and girls in Afghanistan be better off due to our invading the country, especially once our troops leave? Real question. Are there schools that won’t just be shut down the moment we’re gone?

Joe
I am far more interested in what you think and why. You are anonymous. You can speak freely.

“Is Afghanistan better off today than it was BEFORE the invasion?”

Considering the alternative of 25 nuclear bombs placed on strategic targets, without nearly the lost of American lives? I would say ; Yes, they are far better off. The past is only something that you can learn from.

So, to return your question with a question; What would you do about Afghanistan, from here moving forward? if you were the commander in chief?

Mitch – I don’t know. All I know is that when Code Pink went to Afghanistan some time back, some women told them things that momentarily sent them into the grey world of nuance and complexity. After all, the anti-war movement prides itself for being willing to listen to “third world” people. Fortunately, when they got home their resolve was restored when their uninfected comrades found Afghan voices more within their ideological comfort zone.